Edmund would not let it die. "Aye, you did, Isabeau, as much as you like to deny it, you had as much to do with it as Kendrick. In exchange for that, I did something I hope you will both understand."
Her senses began to spin as to what Edmund would say next. Take a deep breath and all will be well. ‘Twas a lot easier for her mind to say than her body to do.
Kendrick put a loving arm around her shoulders and glared at Edmund. "What have you done?"
Edmund laid a hand on both of them. "I was the one who convinced Father to give Castile back to you. He and I had a nice chat and have resolved some of our differences. Giving you back Castile was the least I could do for what you have done for me."
Isabeau’s heart soared at his words. Finally the King’s mysterious behavior was solved! How was she ever going to repay him? "Oh, milord, you do not know how happy you have made me!" She threw her arm around Edmund and hugged him tightly. If there was only a way to say her thanks … without warning the perfect gift emerged from the dense bank of thought.
"You are most welcome, Isabeau. I not only did it for you and Kendrick but the legacy you will leave behind," he exclaimed as he released her.
With a determined smile upon her lips, Isabeau lifted her chin high. "Milord, I have a question to pose to you. Would you care to join Kendrick and I in the war room?"
* * * *
The chapel glowed in a warm, golden light provided by the hundreds of tapers scattered around the chamber. Ancient relics glowed in the pale light and added to the already somber ambience around them. A crowd gathered in the pews and watched the ceremony with a hushed wonder. Isabeau stood proudly at the altar next to Kendrick as Eleanor held Alexander with Edmund standing next to her.
She beamed broadly as she gazed around at the party gathered in the room. No words could describe the feeling within her heart or mind except love, in it simplest form. She chose Edmund to be Alexander’s godfather for one simple reason. Without him, Alexander would not exist. Edmund’s boundless ambition had brought him forth.
Edmund and Eleanor murmured their words in Latin in perfect tone. Alexander remained asleep throughout the entire ordeal, shifting now and then. Isabeau slipped her hand into Kendrick’s and squeezed tightly. He turned and gave her one of his best smiles. For a long time, she thought no man existed worth giving her heart to. Kendrick had proven her wrong in so many ways. Why had she fought it so long?
The battle was over and they were both the victors. Desire's promise had finally won out.
THE END
Desires Promise Page 31